DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE AND THE EXPANSION OF URBAN AREAS IN MARYLAND, 1970 TO 2000

Publication (Report)

Maryland has witnessed tremendous changes in population, economy and landscape in recent decades. We outlined these changes in Chapters Two through Five. In this study, we also measured the extent of changes in developed land, agricultural/open land and forested land in two counties in Maryland over three time periods. We subsequently implemented a statistical model to identify the conditions that influence a parcel’s change from agriculture to urban use. Here we summarize the results and implications of the findings from this study.

Maryland has witnessed tremendous changes in population, economy and landscape in recent decades. We outlined these changes in Chapters Two through Five. In this study, we also measured the extent of changes in developed land, agricultural/open land and forested land in two counties in Maryland over three time periods. We subsequently implemented a statistical model to identify the conditions that influence a parcel’s change from agriculture to urban use. Here we summarize the results and implications of the findings from this study.